One of the most notable Palos Verdes landmarks is the Neptune fountain - a 3/4 scale replica of the one in Bologna, Italy. Here is what Walter Swindell Davis (an notable Los Angeles architect - 1887-1973) said about the aquisition of the fountain in the "oral history" interview by Florence Sullivan (spring of 1969):
Sullivan: When was the statue of Neptune erected? There were only a few buildings there [at the plaza] when that was done.
Davis: Cheney was responsible for the fountain. There was an antique dealer down on Figueroa between Wilshire Blvd. and 7th Street. The depression had caught him with the fountain of Neptune. Cheney made him a propostion to trade it for some lots down on Paseo del Mar that runs along the ocean... Cheney traded three or four lots for the fountain. It was a wonderful bargain... To erect the fountain cost 50 to 75 thousand, they got the statue and its base of four Nereids. The steps and pavement had to be carved in Italy and shipped here. [Source: Palos Verdes Library - Local History Collection]
Monday, May 3, 2010
Neptune in Malaga Plaza (Monochrome Monday)
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16 comments:
A fine study.
An unexpected thing to find, no wonder it's a landmark. It has a fascinating history.
I like the way you've composed this photo.
Wonderful post! What a discreet little fig life Neptune is sporting.
oh girl, he is cute! :)
Wonderful indeed!
Léia
Great shot of Neptune.
Nice shot!!! Great in B&W!!!
Chieftess is right. (We don't do fig leaves in Pasadena.)
Very interesting history. I think the antique dealer got the better deal with the four lots of beach front property. Even with that trade they still paid 75 grand to put it in. A lot of dough
still, why 3/4 scale?
Excellent monochrome image, Tash - and a great story to go along with it!
Speaks well of the mindset of those who appreciated the value of a beautiful thing even in hard times. I like how you have this against a solid background. Really sets it off nicely.
I'm always amazed at the artwork in these sculptures ~~ Great find, for sure.
Magnificent tones, textures and perspective!
Ahemmm, how exactly did I miss THAT???
V
I'm so sorry we missed Neptune at the Huntington.
hmmm....
You and Halcyon are thinking along the same (ahem) lines...
That is an awesome shot Tash!
LL
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